Adrian Bott says Shiki has returned a far more complete filly than the one who captured the Gimcrack Stakes, giving Tulloch Lodge confidence ahead of her Magic Millions campaign. She resumes in Saturday’s TAB Plate (1000m) at Randwick after a short paddock break following her debut win in October.

Despite starting favourite that day, Bott felt she was still furnishing physically.

“Even though she was doing everything right and was precocious, she was never fully there in terms of her coat for the Gimcrack,” Bott said.

“She has come back in and actually looks like she is thriving.

“She seems a very natural two-year-old type, and she has come back in good shape.”

Shiki is the only runner in the seven-horse field with race experience and is a commanding $1.55 favourite for her return.

Bott, however, reminded punters that her major target remains the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast next month.

“She is forward enough for this first-up run with some good improvement to come. Obviously, the main aim is centred around the Magic Millions,” he said.

“She is qualified, so the pressure isn’t on in that regard, but this is a nice race to kick off in. She gets in well under the weight conditions.”

The stable has purposely left time for a second lead-up run if needed, although they are comfortable heading straight into the feature should she perform strongly on Saturday.

Rated Tulloch Lodge’s leading seed for the $3m Classic, Shiki sits at $4.50 in early betting behind Paradoxium.

Stablemate Lumbini is also chasing qualification via Friday night’s Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate (1000m) at the Gold Coast.

“She trialled up really well. She has had a bit of time in Queensland now and it’s a race that could qualify her,” Bott said.

“A horse like Knight’sbridge will try to head that way if he can qualify. They’re our main seeds.”

Punters looking to back Shiki can compare markets via leading Australian betting sites.